Commercial vehicle lease and rent specialist TIP Group has refurbished 304 trailers for P&O Ferrymasters in a move aimed at extending the life of the vehicles, whilst also cutting the company’s costs and carbon emissions.
By refurbishing the trailers, ferry operator and logistics giant P&O Ferrymasters estimates it has cut around 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The refurbishment project included a mix of optical and technical updates, tailored to extend trailer life without the full costs associated with new acquisitions.
It also involved comprehensive mechanical updates as well as aesthetic improvements and took approximately seven months.
Throughout the refurbishment process, TIP provided trailer replacements to P&O Ferrymasters, to minimise downtime.
Mike Shannon, P&O Ferrymasters chief operating officer for logistics and landside, said: “By refurbishing the trailers in collaboration with TIP Group, P&O Ferrymasters realises a significant lifetime extension and reduces our environmental footprint.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our sustainability strategy, allowing us to reuse existing assets rather than discarding them, ultimately enhancing sustainability.
“We are proud to partner with TIP Group in this endeavour, showcasing our commitment to more sustainable logistics solutions.”
He added, “Not only has this improved our environmental impact, but the performance and reliability of our refurbished trailers have been exceptional.
“With the support of TIP Group’s expertise, these assets meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, ensuring we continue to deliver uninterrupted services across Europe.”
Jan van Vugt, TIP Group global maintenance and development director, said: “Many of our clients are facing challenges related to maintaining the reliability of their fleets while keeping costs under control.
“Larger customers are also increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint as part of their broader ESG strategies.
“One of the key challenges is how to keep trailers operationally efficient without the financial and environmental cost of constantly replacing them.
“This is where refurbishment really makes a difference. It’s not only about keeping the trailers looking good, but also about ensuring they remain roadworthy and dependable, which is crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted workflow.”
Van Vugt said refurbing trailers offers both financial and environmental benefits. “Refurbishment is about smarter spending and sustainability - trailer lifetime extension, cutting costs, and reducing emissions, all while keeping your fleet performing at its best.”
He added: “Refurbishment is often a more financially and environmentally responsible choice than replacement. This is especially true for clients who need to extend the operational life of their trailers while also reducing carbon emissions.
“With P&O Ferrymasters, the refurbishment process was not just about cosmetic changes but also about ensuring that trailers were equipped with the necessary upgrades to meet operational and regulatory standards.”
TIP Group offers three types of refurbishment services. These include cosmetics upgrades, such as refreshing the trailer exterior and rebranding; technical refurbishment which focuses on ensuring the trailer is roadworthy, providing axle replacements, suspension upgrades, and brake system updates; and a full overhaul service which replaces all critical components, including axles, brake systems, and even flooring, which TIP Group said can give the trailer an added eight years of life.
Commenting on the partnership, Shannon said “Working with TIP Group was seamless and efficient.
“Their team brought expertise and dedication to the refurbishment process, keeping us informed and ensuring replacement trailers were available whenever needed.
“This minimized downtime and allowed us to extend our fleet’s lifespan without compromising on quality or service. We’re proud to partner with a company that shares our commitment to sustainable, efficient logistics solutions.”
TIP Group also offers tailored refurbishments of specialized equipment, such as tankers.
Van Vugt said: “We do a lot with tankers because the tank barrel is often the most expensive part, but it can last for 20 years without a problem. So, in these cases, we replace the running gear, paint, and check all the valves and seals, ensuring the tank is like new again.
“For special haulage trailers, some of them have a specific license attached — licenses that can’t be obtained anymore. In these cases, refurbishment can be more expensive than buying a new trailer because keeping the trailer with the license is critical for operations.”
The company also offers a Refurb and Lease and a Sale and Leaseback service for customers.
